4 Benefits of Co-Parenting with Bio Parents
I recognize this is easier said than done. I contemplated not posting this one, but here it is.
Co parenting with bio parents.
If you're like me, this was not top of mind as I started my training. It wasn't until the first sibling set moved in that I realized what I was actually doing. I was not parenting the child. I was co-parenting. Whether I wanted it or not, a relationship with the children's parents was necessary and important.
Go ahead and give this post a save and refer back. It's OK if you aren't ready to dive into this yet. It's easy to be mad at someone for putting a child in this position. It's harder to have compassion and put yourself in their shoes.
But remember. We are foster parents. We signed up for hard, we didn't sign up for easy.
Having a working relationship with the bio family is important for reunification and to minimize trauma to the child. You don't need to be BFFs (but you can!), but strive for a professional, working relationship that is based in respect and compassion. Don't take things personally, and certainly do not blame a bio parent for a situation you will never FULLY understand. Remember, social workers are not allowed to tell you everything. Bio parents don't owe you any explanations. Work from a place of compassion. And hesitate to reach out for advice.
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When you get a new child in your home, it's important to understand the rules surrounding communication and visits with the bio family. Things can feel confusing and ambiguous as everyone is getting to know each other.
Here are some important questions to ask from the beginning so that you know your role and can include the bio parents appropriately.
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